Featured Project

This Saddle River, NJ client contacted us to redesign the back of their property with one firm condition: no pool, as they planned to purchase a second home at the shore. The scope focused on expanding the paver patio to accommodate an outdoor kitchen with a grill and pizza oven, adding a fire pit, and integrating a new fireplace into the existing pavilion.

Of course, mid-way through the project they decided not to get a shore house and add a pool to create a staycation type backyard!

5 Spring Mulching & Plant Care TIPS

1. Refresh Mulch to Protect Roots of Plants

Spring is the ideal time to replenish mulch beds,

not just for aesthetics, but for performance. A professionally installed mulch layer helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds—while adding organic matter to the soil.

2. Proper Mulch Depth Matters

Too little mulch won’t deliver results, and too much can suffocate plant roots. Our team installs mulch at the optimal depth (typically 2–3 inches), ensuring plant health while maintaining clean bed lines and proper airflow.

3. Redefine Bed Edges for a Polished Appearance

Sharp, well-defined edges between lawn and planting beds instantly elevate curb appeal. Spring is the perfect time to re-establish these lines, creating structure and contrast that enhances the entire property.

4. Early-Season Plant Care Sets the Tone

Thriving plants begins with proper spring preparation. Using the right fertilizers, such as Plant-tone™, helps ensure the plants receive the necessary nutrients and beneficial microbes. It is safe for most plants, because it is 100% organic and will not burn the roots.

5. Pre-Emergent Weed Control is Key

The most effective way to manage weeds is before they appear. Applying pre-emergent treatments early in the season helps prevent weeds seeds from germinating. Applying Treflon™ underneath 2-3″ of new mulch helps your garden stay relatively weed-free.

CLC EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Gary Fernbacher

CLC Project Managers are essential to the success of every project, serving as the critical link between design, construction, and client expectations. Gary Fernbacher has 40 years of experience in the in the industry and 25 years of it has been as Project Manager.

Gary is our key Project Manager for the Montclair, NJ Area. Gary built the project below from scratch, which took over 6 months of his daily attention. He orchestrated more than

8 sub-contractors to bring this project to life! Gary ensures that every detail—from scheduling and materials to craftsmanship and site coordination—is executed with precision and efficiency. By proactively managing challenges and maintaining clear communication, Gary keeps projects on track while upholding the highest standards of quality. Gary’s leadership on-site ensures that each landscape is built exactly as envisioned, delivering a seamless and exceptional experience for the client.

Before

After

PERENNIALS:
Adding Beauty to Every Garden.

Perennials bring renewal and lasting structure to the landscape, returning year after year with fresh color, soft textures, and layered growth that define garden beds early and throughout the season. Carefully selected for local conditions, they offer reliable performance while enhancing the overall design of the property.

Beyond their beauty, perennials create healthier, more resilient landscapes. Their established root systems improve soil structure, support pollinators, and reduce the need for replanting—while thoughtful combinations of bloom time, height, and color ensure seamless interest from spring through summer and beyond.

Early-season color & texture that brings landscapes to life after winter
Layered design potential with varying heights, blooms, and foliage
Improves soil health through strong, established root systems
Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies
Reduces replanting costs compared to annuals
Deer-resistant options available for low-maintenance success
Creates season-long interest when thoughtfully curated and installed

CLC: WHO WE ARE

CLC Landscape Design, founded in 1973, has been a leader in design/build landscaping by blending classic design concepts with cutting-edge design ideas. With a vast knowledge of landscape design concepts and material options, we tailor each of our landscapes to meet the unique style of each of our clients. With every client being different, we work with everyone to understand their wishes and bring them to life through our internal team, creating 2D and 3D renderings! We love what we do and we enjoy sharing creative solutions for any of your landscape challenges. We promise you some exciting design ideas!

“Great Landscapes Begin
with Great Design Ideas.”

(973) 839-6026

CLCDESIGN.COM
58 Ringwood Ave. Ringwood, NJ 07456 USA

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